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    Facebook: The Greener Initiative

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    Facebook: The Greener Initiative

    Facebook aims to build one of the most efficient computing infrastructures at the lowest possible cost. Now information about its new data center in Prineville, Oregon is open to everyone in an attempt to improve collaboration and computer efficiency across the industry.

    The Open Compute Project gives infrastructure details for Facebook’s new center like their their vanity-free servers, the mechanical design of the data center, and the energy efficiency. Facebook hopes other companies would be able to focus on applications and developing for social websites by sharing its designs.

    Partners to Facebook’s hardware initiative include Intel Corp., Advanced Micro Devices, Dell Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co.

    Source: The Wall Street Journal

     

    Dell Streak finally launched – too little too late?

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    Dell Streak finally launched – too little too late?

    Dell’s 5-inch variant of their Streak phone/tablet was unveiled yesterday at Nuvo in Greenbelt 2, Makati. Together with the exclusive distributor of the device, MSI-ECS, Dell demoed the abilities of the Froyo equipped device. “The Dell Streak is designed for people who are constantly interacting online and want to expand their ability to access their digital lives on-the-go,” said Christopher Papa, Country Manager for Consumer and Small Business, Dell Philippines. “The Dell Streak hits the sweet spot between traditional smartphones and larger-screen tablets and its unique size will help people discover new ways to enjoy the web, connect with friends, and navigate their lives,” said Christopher Papa.  “We are extremely excited to deliver this new connected experience to consumers.”

    While you can’t fault the specs of the device (5-inch WVGA capacitive TFT LCD with Gorilla Glass, WiFi, 3G, 1GHz Snapdragon processor) it’s worrying that this particular variant of the streak is more than a year old – it originally showed up in US retailers early last year. Add to that the imminent release of Honeycomb equipped tablets, seemingly high price (Php 27,000) and a multitude of competitors, then it’s plain to see that the Streak has an uphill climb ahead of it.

     

     

    Cathay Pacific CSR soars to new heights with PBSP

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    Cathay Pacific CSR soars to new heights with PBSP

    Cathay Pacific joins PBSP – (L-R) Mr. Manuel V Pangilinan, PLDT and PBSP Chairman, Mr. Klaas Oreel, PBSP Chief Executive Advisor, Ms. Mitzi Tronqued, Cathay Pacific Airways, Ltd. Customer Services Manager, and Mr. Ed Higgs, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. Country Manager.

     

    Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. has joined the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the largest corporate-led development foundation in the country.

    As one of the newest members of PBSP, Cathay has become part of a consortium of over 240 small and medium enterprises and large member companies committed to the practice of Corporate Citizenship.  According to Cathay Pacific country manager Ed Higgs, “We are happy to be part of PBSP. For many years, Cathay has been investing in communities where we operate and has been involved in environment and education projects throughout the region.  In the Philippines, we hope to scale up our social involvement with PBSP.”

    Earlier this month, PBSP held a Breakfast Fellowship at the Manila Golf Club to welcome its new members.  The event was hosted by PBSP chairman, Manuel V Pangilinan and trustee Marixi R. Prieto.  During the breakfast meeting, Pangilinan urged PBSP member companies to work together to find innovative ways to address poverty in the country.

    Among PBSP’s new member companies are Aegis PeopleSupport, Inc., Asalus Corporation (Intellicare), Associated Broadcasting Company (TV5), Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., Epson Precision (Philippines), Inc., F.R. Sevilla Industrial and Development Corporation (FRSIDC), Magsaysay Transport and Logistics Group, NGP Integrated Marketing and Communications, Inc., Pacific Metals Canada Philippines, RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation, Toyota Autoparts Philippines, Inc., TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc.

    PBSP operates nationwide, with key programs in education, health, sustainable livelihood and micro, small and medium enterprise development, and the environment.

     

    Google investing $100 million for original content on YouTube, Web TV finally a reality..we hope

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    Google investing $100 million for original content on YouTube, Web TV finally a reality..we hope

    While there’s certainly no shortage of original content on YouTube, a lot of it is made by amateurs, both talented and not-so-talented. But that’s soon to change if YouTube gets its way. According to the Wall Street Journal, YouTube is looking to invest $100 million into original programming. The plan involves creating content for the 20 or so channels which will be professionally produced which will attract more viewers resulting in a wider base for advertising. The move will allow YouTube, and by extension their parent company Google, to attract more viewers without sinking serious money into licensing movies and TV shows which its other competitors (Netflix) have done. It’s an exciting possibility indeed, and we can’t wait to ditch the old boob tube for YouTube.

     

    Source: WSJ

    GfK Asia: Digital Camera Industry bounces back

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    GfK Asia: Digital Camera Industry bounces back

    Following the lackluster performance of the digital camera industry in 2009 where overall flat growth was registered over the previous year across nine markets in Asia, the industry managed an impressive comeback in the next 12 months to achieve 20 and 17 percent growth respectively in value and units.

    According to GfK Asia’s retail audit findings for digital camera, the nine markets of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines achieved strong double digit growths in the range of 13 to 39 percent in value, while unit growth saw 9 to 39 percent. Overall, more than 8.76 million units of cameras worth nearly USD3 billion were sold across these markets last year.

    “The digital camera industry has indeed been revived in 2010 and this was especially apparent inmarkets such as Thailand and Korea, where 2009 value sales dipped substantially by 25 and 15 percent from the previous year,” commented Ms. Jasmine Lim, Regional Account Director for GfK Asia.

    While Hong Kong and Korea’s combined digital camera sales of USD1.35 billion maintained their position as the two biggest markets across the nine countries, it is the developing markets of Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam that are displaying huge growth potential. Consumers here snapped up 39, 28, and 24 percent more units of digital cameras here compared to 2009.

    Compact cameras with fixed lens continue to be most popular among consumers, with four in every five (84%) camera units sold being one. GfK findings for 2010 reveal that half of the total volume sold for compact cameras with fixed lens retailed at USD200 or less, making it the most affordable type of digital camera in the market.

    “One noteworthy trend we are seeing is the increasing demand for the up and coming digital compact cameras with changeable lens, also known as mirrorless cameras,” highlighted Ms. Lim. “The gradual hike in market share of these cameras over the last twelve months indicates the increasing acceptance level across the countries—a clear sign also that consumers are willing to pay a higher price for this recently launched compact system cameras.”

    Sales for mirrorless cameras have generally been picking up consistently over the four quarters of 2010, but they are notably more popular in Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan. Mirrorless cameras in these three markets have been showing increasing uptake of the market value share, closing the year hitting 10 to 13 percent by the last quarter of the year.

    Globe set to enforce daily 1GB cap, goodbye torrents?

    Gadgets Team
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    Globe set to enforce daily 1GB cap, goodbye torrents?

    Uh oh. Seems like Globe is set to enforce a 1GB daily cap on internet usage for its subscribers. In a press release, seems like the telco has had it with users who take advantage of all that unmetered bandwidth, making life miserable for the rest of its clients. As a result, it’s adopting a fair use policy that effectively caps a user’s bandwidth to 1GB a day. “Globe implemented a policy that promotes a more responsible way of using the Internet that will ensure fair and optimum usage of its broadband services across all subscribers,” the statement said. This is in direct conflict with the revised draft of the NTC memo that scrapped the provision that allowed bandwidth caps. For it’s part, Globe has stated that the bandwidth cap is for the good of its other subscribers. “This also ensures consistency and reliability of connection for use of the greater majority of broadband subscribers,” according to Globe.

     

     

    Toms: walk without shoes so kids don’t have to

    Gadgets Team
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    Toms: walk without shoes so kids don’t have to

    I remember the very first time I saw a Toms shoe. It was a few years back, I thought it was the most basic and brilliant design I’ve seen – but the brilliance behind it was not how the shoe was designed – but their way of giving back to the needy. This might be the secret behind the success of the brand – one for one. One pair of shoes bought equals to another pair for the deprived.

    Blake Mycoskie, an American traveler and entrepreneur saw children without shoes in Argentina. Inspired, he started a revolutionary business premise: with every pair purchased, another pair will be given to a child in need. I didn’t believe the objective at first, but I saw a documentary of how they give out thousands of shoes to these kids. They’ve already given more than a million pairs around the world and still counting. It’s an advocacy and we joined toms Philippines for a greater movement of walking around without shoes.

    One day without shoes participants walk around trinoma open parks

    Hundreds of people joined “Walk without shoes” at the Trinoma open parks Tuesday, to experience having to live without shoes and to raise awareness of the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life.

    Be a part of this great cause, visit www.nothingbuth2o.com.ph, www.toms.com, www.onedaywithoutshoes.com, and www.facebook.com/TOMSphilippines

     

    Following made easy with Twitter advanced search page

    Gadgets Team
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    Following made easy with Twitter advanced search page

    Twitter has now made it easier to search for those you want to follow. In their blog, improvements have been made to their “who to follow” feature that allows you to use your shared interests rather than just typing in the exact username. So if you say you like hip-hop, chances are you’d want to follow hip-hop artists. With this improvement, Twitter will help provide you with suggestions that can ultimately assist you in your search.

    There is also an advanced search page to further help you. With a set of search operators, you can search a number of ways, like a phrase given within a certain time period or even use an emoticon to garner results. This way, following the accounts with the most relevance to you is made simpler and easier.

    PSN Network down, Anonymous takes responsibility, Sony says it’s sporadic maintenance

    Gadgets Team
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    PSN Network down, Anonymous takes responsibility, Sony says it’s sporadic maintenance

    Seems there’s trouble afoot in Sonyland. Several people have reported having trouble connecting to the PSN (Playstation Network), and it seems that they’ve been hit by DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks as well. Notorious online hacktivist group Anonymous are claiming responsibility for the attack possibly because of the pending suites against two other modders/white hat hackers Geohot and Graf_Chokolo, who are charged with violating the DMCA over their PS3 hacks which allows users to run user created apps.

    For it’s part, Sony has said that PSN is going through sporadic maintenance via the Twitter account @AskPlaystation, that access to PSN would be interrupted throughout the day. Anonymous’ has stated in a press release and through a YouTube video their disdain for Sony’s alleged abuse of the judicial system, and their suppression of information. We’ve attached a copy of the press release below, and slightly modified it because of light profanity.

    “Congratulations, Sony. You now have now received the undivided attention of Anonymous. Your recent legal action against our follow hackers, Geohot and Graf_Chokolo, has not only alarmed us, it has been deemed wholly unforgivable.”

    You have now abused the judicial system in an attempt to censor information on how your products work. You have victimized your own customers merely for possessing and sharing information, and continue to target every person who seeks this information. In doing so you have violated the privacy of thousands. This is the information they were willing to teach the world for free. The very same information you wish to suppress for sake of corporate greed and complete control of the users.

    Now you will experience the wrath of Anonymous. You saw a hornets nest, and stuck your p*nises in it. You must face the consequences of your actions, Anonymous style.

    Knowledge is Free. We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not Forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.”

     

    Source: Washington Post

    Petron Lakbay Alalay strengthens motorist safety advocacy

    Gadgets Team
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    Petron Lakbay Alalay strengthens motorist safety advocacy

    Petron Lakbay Alalay, the country’s longest running motorist assistance program, marks its silver anniversary by strenghtening its motorist safety advocacy. With its expanded coverage for the entire summer holiday season from mid-March until the end of May, Petron Lakbay Alalay is also reaching out to provide safety check as well as safety tips to motorists nationwide.

    Free Service Checks. To help motorists prepare for safe, worry-free travel, participating Petron service stations and car care centers will provide a free 15-point service check-up.   This includes free checks on tire pressure, oil and radiator water level, and brakes inspection.  In this way, Petron helps you ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and will take you safely to your destination.

    Emergency Roadside Assistance. As in the past, Petron volunteers will spend weekends providing emergency roadside assistance at designated Petron stations along the major toll roads and highways.  For their safety and convenience, motorists who need assistance can avail of free minor car repairs, first aid, and emergency phone calls.

    Mobile Lakbay Alalay. Travelers can also sign up to receive road safety tips as well as car care and service reminders on their mobile phone.

    GPS Maps. Motorists who need travel directions can get route maps to safely reach their destinations at select Petron stations.  Using maps provided by GPS, travelers can ask for a route printout from the Petron-GPS kiosks.

    Lakbay Alalay Tour Guide. Petron is also developing a web-based program featuring popular domestic destinations to support the Department of Tourism’s local tourism promotions initiative.

    Petron eFuel Card. Previously offered only for corporate clients and VIP individuals, ordinary motorists can now avail of the Petron eFuel Card.  Serving as a reloadable debit card, road-trippers don’t need to bring a lot of cash to pay for their fuel.  The Petron eFuel Card is widely accepted at Petron service stations nationwide.

    Now on its 25th year, Petron Lakbay Alalay is the longest-running motorist assistance program in the country.  Run by Petron employee-volunteers as part of the company’s “volunteerism in action” philosophy, the pioneering public service activity has been replicated by other automotive and oil companies.  The term Lakbay Alalay has, in fact, entered daily terminology as a generic term for various motorist assistance activities offering free mechanical help, communications support, medical services, clean restrooms and other services.  Lakbay Alalay is a registered trademark of Petron Corporation.

    ABS-CBN to launch five new channels for Kapamilyas

    Gadgets Team
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    ABS-CBN to launch five new channels for Kapamilyas

    ABS-CBN DTV Marketing Head Miguel Mercado

    ABS-CBN is ready to launch five new premium channels on free-to-air TV, each catering to a specific member of the family.

    The expansion heralds the Kapamilya network’s foray into Digital Television (DTV), a high-tech standard that uses digital signals and occupies lesser space on the frequency. DTV allows a single TV station to broadcast on more than one channel and air more programs. A DTV Digibox will serve as the viewer’s gateway to enjoying new channels that ABS-CBN has developed to cater to preferences of different market segments.  The new channels to be made available include 2 channels for kids, a channel for the youth, a channel for dads and a channel for moms.

    The increase in channels translates to an increase in enjoyment and bonding time for family members. Viewers will get not only more options but also better picture and sound. “With Philippine broadcasting companies going digital, the viewing public will be able to enjoy digital quality viewing in any TV as DTV addresses the issues of poor reception, grainy pictures and choppy audio,” says Mercado.

    The technology is easy to use and is budget-friendly, too. One would need to purchase a DTV Digibox (which costs only as much as a DVD player), and connect it to any TV set to begin watching shows on the five new channels and all existing channels broadcasting in digital. By the time ABS-CBN commences its DTV operations, this list will include Channel 2, Studio 23, GEM TV and NBN.

    Mercado says, “We expect other broadcasters won’t be far behind in launching their current channels into digital.”

    The NTC has mandated the local broadcasting industry to make a complete transition to digital TV by 2015. This directive puts the Philippines at par with the global standard as several countries like Australia, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, have switched to DTV.

    Atty. Regie Jularbal, Legal Counsel of KBP and Miguel Mercado, ABS-CBN DTV Marketing Head

    ICT MxR to Google Motion Beta: Challenge Accepted

    Gadgets Team
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    ICT MxR to Google Motion Beta: Challenge Accepted

    So Google pulled a hilarious April fools joke for Gmail, promising motion controls for sending and opening email. Apparently the guys at ICT (Institute of Creative Technologies) MxR labs considered the video a challenge and set to work building a working app to replicate it. The result is some amazing nerd trickery via a hacked Kinect sensor that replicates all the hand gestures that was featured on the Google Motion Beta video. And yes, the video is real, their YouTube account has all the necessary links and software to make this impressive feat of nerdery available in your very home. Links of both the videos embedded below.

     

    Via: Engadget

    Source: USCICT (YouTube)

    Epson Precision (Philippines) Inc. sponsors learning resource corner in a never-ending battle with poverty

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    Epson Precision (Philippines) Inc. sponsors learning resource corner in a never-ending battle with poverty

    Epson, one of more than 240 member companies of PBSP working together to fight poverty in the country, aids to help the country any way they can, through both big and small endeavors. This time, Epson Precision (Philippines) Inc. president Osamu Koshiishi shares a story of the legendary Japanese dog Hachiko to Grade 4 pupils during the turnover ceremony for a learning resource corner at Lodlod Elementary School in Lipa City last March 21. Through the Balik Baterya recycling program of Motolite and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Epson donated textbooks, chairs, and tables to beneficiary schools in Lipa, with the generated funds from Epson’s used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) and additional financial assistance used to sponsor learning resource packages to 12 schools in the city.

    The Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program, launched in 2006, involves the collection of ULABs for proper recycling and production of new automotive and industrial batteries.  Premium value of ULABs are given to donors who opt to support Project LEAP, an initiative to improve the quality of basic education through provision of text/workbooks, training of teachers, remedial reading camps, and supplemental feeding.

     

    The 13 Winning Brands for the Seventh Annual GfK No.1 Award

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    The 13 Winning Brands for the Seventh Annual GfK No.1 Award

    GfK Philippines announced the winners for the seventh annual GfK No.1 Award, where 2010’s best selling brands for 13 major Consumers Electronics, Home Appliances, IT, Photo and Mobile Phone products are being honored.

    Congratulations to the following brands who have won the GfK No.1 award for various categories in 2010:

     

    Winner Category
    Acer Mobile Computers
    Canon DSLRs
    Canon Compact Cameras
    Carrier Air Conditioners
    HP Total Printing Devices
    Nokia Mobile and Smart Phones
    Panasonic Refrigerators
    Samsung PTVs
    Samsung Monitors
    Samsung Audio Home Systems
    Sharp CRT TVs
    Sharp Washing Machines
    Sony Camcorders

     

    The GfK No.1 Award is an awarding scheme by global leading market research company GfK to recognize top performing brands in various major product categories audited by GfK. Winning brands are determined according to GfK’s retail audit data, and a brand’s performance is judged by their unit sales in their specific category for the period January to December 2010.

    The GfK No.1 Award is also held and recognized in other Asian countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

    LG claims top market share in global LED monitors

    Gadgets Team
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    LG claims top market share in global LED monitors

    LG’s local reps just shared some interesting news about the Korean electronics giant. Seems that they managed to make a huge leap in terms of sales of LED monitors, from 1 percent of the market share in 2009 to 18 percent in 2010, accounting for about 2.92 million of 16.68 million LED LCD monitors sold around the world – according to global market research firm DisplaySearch.

    “This represents a strong endorsement of LG’s drive to increase investment in R&D over the last 12 months,” said Si-hwan Park, Vice President of the Monitor Division at LG’s Home Entertainment Company. “The reason for our success is simple: We’ve focused on listening to our customers and then innovating around those needs. To keep on growing our market share, we’re going to be moving strongly into CINEMA 3D monitors in the near future.”

    With LED LCD monitors’ share of the overall monitor market expected to grow to 30 percent this year from 10 percent last year, LG is aiming to secure 20 percent of this fast-growing sector. As it pushes hard to consolidate its No. 1 position in the global LED LCD monitor market, LG will be placing a particular focus on products with its In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels, sophisticated, slim design and CINEMA 3D monitors.

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